Quick Pitch: Like Nomar, will Mientkiewicz be remembered as a Red Sox?

When Nomar Garciaparra recently retired, he was most remembered for what he did with the Boston Red Sox. If Doug Mientkiewicz also ends his playing career in the next few days, that might also be the case.

Not necessarily for what he did with his bat, as Mientkiewicz was a steady offensive contributor as the starting first baseman for three Minnesota Twins playoff teams. However, a bold four-team trade in July 2004 that sent Mientkiewicz and shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Red Sox (and sent the fan-favorite Garciaparra to the Chicago Cubs) was a key factor in the Red Sox securing their first World Series title since 1918 that season.

Mientkiewicz and Cabrera solidified Boston's defense, and Mientkiewicz even caught the last out Boston recorded to clinch the Series title against the St. Louis Cardinals. Mientkiewicz kept the historic ball but the team wanted it back, and Mientkiewicz ultimately conceded after a somewhat bitter spat.

Mientkiewicz has been a reserve the rest of his career for five other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, who told him Saturday that he wouldn't make the team's opening day roster. The Dodgers' signing of Garret Anderson had made Mientkiewicz's grasp on the left-handed pinch-hitter's spot tenuous.

According to the Los Angeles Times, manager Joe Torre has apparently offered Mientkiewicz, 35, an organizational coaching position, though Mientkiewicz still wants to play in the majors.

"I told him I'd love to have him around, but he'll take a day to think about his options," Torre said. "He was understanding of the decision, he likes being here but he wants to be in the big leagues."

Mientkiewicz is a .271 career hitter and above-average defensive player who is well-liked around the major leagues.

Also happening Sunday morning:

Dodgers reliever Ronald Belisario has cleared up his visa problems. He arrived at Dodgers camp Saturday. It was unclear when he would play in regular-season action.

The Dodgers put the right-hander on the restricted list Friday and he will not count against their 25- or 40-man rosters. Once the regular season begins, Belisario can remain on the restricted list for up to 30 days.

According to ESPNLosAngeles.com's Tony Jackson, Belisario is expected to dress in the major league clubhouse until the team breaks camp on Wednesday, but his activity will take place in minor league camp.

"We have to see what kind of shape he is in," assistant general manager Kim Ng said. "After determining that, then he will probably be on the other side."

Oakland Athletics starter Justin Duchscherer was roughed up for 11 runs in his second start after missing last season as the A's lost 14-12 to the Kansas City Royals Saturday in Surprise, Ariz.

"I'm not trying to minimize how bad they kicked my butt but the reality is it's a spring training game," said Duchscherer, who's competing for a rotation spot. "I don't want to go out there and embarrass myself, but you don't take it quite as seriously as you would when it really counts.

Duchscherer missed last season after having elbow surgery and was also diagnosed with clinical depression while rehabbing. He gave up 11 runs — eight earned — on nine hits in three-plus innings.

C.J. Wilson, a key Texas Rangers setup man last season, and Ian Kennedy, once a top New York Yankees prospect, have earned rotation spots.

Pitching Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers in Phoenix, Wilson allowed four hits and two runs, including Prince Fielder's first homer, over six innings. The left-hander has not started in the major leagues since his rookie season in 2005, when he made six starts among 24 overall appearances.

"I think there is a lot of people who haven't seen me as a starter healthy," Wilson said. "I was a hurting, haggard, damaged Tommy John (surgery) survivor and they had written me off. But I always felt I could start."

Scott Feldman will be the Rangers' opening day starter.

Saturday in Goodyear, Ariz., Kennedy allowed two runs over six innings against the Cleveland Indians.

"We penciled him in (to start), but wanted him to win the job," Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch said. "He's showed that he's ready."

The right-hander was acquired from the New York Yankees in a three-team trade this offseason in which the Yankees got outfielder Curtis Granderson.

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